Lullabies and soothing sounds for baby

Evening crying, night wakings, parental exhaustion - getting a baby to sleep is a daily challenge. Lullabies and soothing sounds have been used for millennia to calm little ones. Nala puts them at your fingertips, for free.

Key takeaway

Evening crying, night wakings, parental exhaustion - getting a baby to sleep is a daily challenge. Lullabies and soothing sounds have been used for millennia to calm little ones.

Lullabies

Evening crying, night wakings, parental exhaustion - getting a baby to sleep is a daily challenge. Lullabies and soothing sounds have been used for millennia to calm little ones.

reduces crying by 80%

Why lullabies work

A baby's brain is wired to respond to rhythmic, repetitive sounds. A lullaby reproduces the maternal heartbeat - the first sound baby heard in the womb.

White noise works on the same principle: it mimics the uterine sound environment (blood flow, digestion), creating a deep sense of security. Journal of Clinical Nursing studies show that white noise reduces crying by 80% and accelerates sleep onset in infants.

For older babies (12 months+), bedtime stories and nature sounds gradually take over.

Nala's sounds and lullabies for baby

White noise - The classic for newborns: fan, vacuum, hairdryer. Automatically volume-controlled.

Pink noise - Softer than white: gentle rain, light wind. Ideal from 3 months.

Womb sounds - Maternal heartbeat, aquatic sounds. For the first weeks.

Instrumental lullabies - Tibetan bowl, harp, soft piano, chimes. Wordless, purely melodic.

Gentle nature - River, distant ocean, forest. From 6 months.

All sounds are mixable for free in the Nala mixer. Automatic timer included.

Soothe your baby with the free sound mixer

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Free. No subscription for sounds.

How Nala supports parents

Luna is the children's voice in Nala: gentle, warm, reassuring. Her stories are designed for ages 3+, but her voice soothes even younger ones when combined with ambient sounds.

The sound mixer is free forever - no subscription needed to help baby sleep. The timer automatically stops sounds after baby falls asleep. Explore our kids meditation from age 3 and our complete sleep app for children.

Sources and references
  • Content written by the Nala team, based on peer-reviewed neuroscience and psychology literature
  • Last verified: March 2026
  • Nala is not a medical device. Consult a healthcare professional if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is white noise safe for newborns?
Yes, at moderate volume (50-60 dB, like a soft conversation). Place the phone at least 1 metre from the cot. Nala automatically limits volume.
When should I stop using white noise for my baby?
There's no strict rule. Most babies naturally transition to other sounds between 6 and 12 months. Listen to your child's preferences.
Sung or instrumental lullabies for a baby?
Both work. Instrumentals are better at bedtime as they don't stimulate language processing. Your own voice remains the most soothing.
What is the best free lullaby app for babies?
Nala offers a 100% free sound mixer with white noise, pink noise, nature sounds, and instrumental lullabies. Timer and volume control included.
Can white noise create a dependency in babies?
No, it's a sleep aid, not a dependency. You can gradually reduce volume over several weeks for weaning.

Last updated: March 2026